CN109814272B

CN109814272B - Dual folding glasses and foldable glasses case

Info

Publication number: CN109814272B
Application number: CN201811390344.2A
Authority: CN
Inventors: 大卫·A·约翰逊
Original assignee: Microvision Optical LLC
Current assignee: Microvision Optical LLC
Priority date: 2017-11-21
Filing date: 2018-11-21
Publication date: 2022-05-27
Anticipated expiration: 2038-11-21
Also published as: CA3024952C; CN109814272A; CA3024952A1; EP3486709A1

Abstract

The present invention provides an eyeglass that is foldable to a substantially flat configuration to fit within a compact case. The eyeglasses include a frame surrounding a pair of lenses and a pair of temples extending from respective outer edges of the frame. A first hinge connection on each temple arm allows the outer portions of the pair of temple arms to be folded horizontally inward from the unfolded configuration to a first folded configuration. Each inner portion of the temple is rotatable about a corresponding second hinge connection downwardly relative to the opposite side edge of the frame to a fully folded condition substantially coplanar with the frame. In some embodiments, the ends or temples of the frame and temples are of a rigid plastic material, while the temples and hinge connections are of metal.

Description

Dual folding glasses and foldable glasses case

Technical Field

This patent document relates generally to the design of eyewear and, in particular, to eyewear having multiple sets of hinges that can be folded into an ultra-compact configuration.

Background

When the eyeglasses are not being worn, the eyeglasses typically fold at the temples via a pair of hinges near the frame of the eyeglasses that cause each temple to fold horizontally (laterally) toward the frame. This allows the eyeglass to be smaller in profile than when the eyeglass is in its extended configuration to be worn by a user. However, this conventional folding configuration is still relatively thick and thus also requires a relatively thick eyeglass case for storage. Such eyeglass cases are often bulky and not easily stored on a person, such as in a clothing pocket or small personal bag.

Accordingly, there is a need for eyewear designs that: which allows a pair of eyeglasses to be more compactly folded and fitted in a more compact case.

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments described herein provide eyewear having multiple sets of hinges for folding to a compact configuration, and more particularly two pairs of hinges that fold temples of the eyewear inward and downward such that the temples are configured to be folded to a compact configuration when the case is closed over the eyewear. Embodiments described herein also provide eyewear having multiple sets of hinges for folding into a flat compact configuration, wherein one portion of the eyewear is made of injection molded plastic material or engineering plastic, such as cellulose acetate, and the other portion is made of metal.

In one aspect, a pair of foldable eyeglasses having multiple sets of hinges is disclosed. The foldable glasses include: a frame surrounding a pair of lenses, and a pair of temples, each of the pair of temples extending rearwardly from an outer edge of the frame when the pair of glasses is in the extended configuration and the pair of glasses is worn by a user. The foldable spectacles further comprise a first pair of hinges or first pivot connections on respective ones of the pair of legs for folding the pair of legs horizontally inwardly from the unfolded configuration toward the frame to a first folded configuration. The pair of foldable eyeglasses further comprises a second pair of hinges or second pivot connections for folding the pair of legs vertically downward from the first folded configuration toward the frame to a second fully (fully) folded configuration.

In some embodiments, the second pivotal connection is located adjacent a corresponding outer edge of the frame and between the respective first pivotal connection and the outer edge of the frame.

In some embodiments, the second hinge or pivotal connection is configured to rotate about an axis that is substantially parallel to or aligned with the plane of the frame and that is substantially perpendicular to the corresponding outer edge of the frame.

In some embodiments, each temple arm includes a first portion positioned between the first and second pivotal connections and a second portion extending beyond the first pivotal connection. The first portion is attached to the rotating portion of the second pivot connection and is substantially perpendicular to the axis of the second pivot connection.

In some embodiments, after folding the temple arm to the first folded configuration using the first pivotal connection or hinge, the second portion of the temple arm is substantially parallel to the plane of the frame while the first portion of the temple arm remains unfolded.

In some embodiments, the first portion of the temple is configured to have a length substantially equal to or greater than a distance between an axis of the second pivotal connection and a bottom edge of the frame.

In some embodiments, folding the temple arm vertically downward from the first folded configuration toward the frame to a second folded configuration using a second pivot connection comprises: the first portion of the temple arm is rotated approximately 90 degrees about the axis of the corresponding second pivotal connection.

In some embodiments, after the temple arms are folded vertically into the second folded configuration using the second pair of hinge or pivot connections, the first portion of the temple arms are substantially parallel to the plane of the frame while the first portion of the temple arms remain perpendicular to the axis of the corresponding second hinge or pivot connections.

In some embodiments, each second pivotal connection includes a tension spring configured to maintain the first portion of the temple arm in the extended configuration even when the second portion of the temple arm is folded into the first folded configuration.

In some embodiments, the tensioning spring is configured to deploy the first portion of the temple arm from the second folded configuration to the deployed configuration when the tension is removed from the tensioning spring.

In some embodiments, each second hinge or pivot connection forms at least a portion of an endpiece of the eyeglasses, the endpiece connecting an outer edge of the frame to a temple of the eyeglasses. In other embodiments, each second hinge or pivot connection is mounted at least partially within an enlarged mounting portion in a corresponding side edge of the eyeglass frame.

In some embodiments, the foldable eyeglasses are operable to be placed within a foldable box that is operable to fold the foldable eyeglasses from a first folded configuration to a second folded configuration by closing a cover of the foldable box onto partially folded temples of the foldable eyeglasses.

In another aspect, a temple of a pair of foldable eyeglasses for connecting an outer edge of a rim (rim) of the eyeglasses to a temple of the eyeglasses is disclosed. The post head includes a stationary portion that is attached to the outer edge of the rim of the eyeglasses. The nosepiece also includes a rotating portion that is attached to the temple of the eyeglasses and is horizontally attached to the stationary portion by an attachment mechanism. The rotating portion also includes a tensioning spring that tends to maintain the temples of the eyeglasses in an extended configuration when the eyeglasses are worn by the user. At the same time, the stationary and rotating portions of the stub form a swivel hinge operable to fold the temple arm vertically downward from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration such that the temple arm lies substantially in the same plane as the frame of the eyewear.

In some embodiments, the stationary portion further comprises an attachment portion for connecting the stationary portion and an outer edge of the bezel, and a fastening portion attached to the attachment portion and comprising a threaded hole. The stationary portion further includes a first cylindrical tube attached to the attachment portion such that the fastening portion is substantially within and coaxial with the first cylindrical tube.

In some embodiments, the rotating portion further comprises a second cylindrical tube attached to a temple of the eyewear at an outer surface of the second cylindrical tube. The tension spring of the rotating section is located substantially inside the second cylindrical tube and is in contact with the inner surface of the second cylindrical tube. This configuration causes the tension spring to rotate with the second cylindrical tube. Further, the second cylindrical tube is substantially coaxial with the first cylindrical tube in the stationary portion. In some embodiments, the tension spring includes an extended end that is fixedly attached to the stationary portion of the swivel hinge. In some embodiments, the tension spring is attached to the stationary part of the rotating hinge by fitting within a groove cut into the surface of the fastening portion of the stationary part.

In some embodiments, the diameter of the second cylindrical tube is smaller than the diameter of the first cylindrical tube and larger than the diameter of the fastening portion, wherein the second cylindrical tube is partially inserted into the gap between the first cylindrical tube and the fastening portion.

In some embodiments, the swivel hinge is operable to fold the temple from the extended configuration vertically downward to the folded configuration by rotating the rotating portion about the stationary portion by approximately 90 degrees.

In some embodiments, the bezel includes a silk nest (rim lock). In some embodiments, the bezel does not include a screw mount.

In another aspect, a foldable eyeglass and foldable box assembly comprises: a pair of eyeglasses comprising a frame surrounding a pair of lenses and temples extending from an outer edge of the frame; a horizontal hinge or first pivotal connection on each temple arm for folding the temple arm horizontally toward the frame to a first stowable position; a vertical hinge or second pivot connection on each temple arm for folding the temple arm vertically toward the frame into a second, collapsible position; and a collapsible box operative to fold the eyeglasses from the first collapsible position to the second collapsible position by closing a cover of the box onto the temple bars.

In one aspect, the frame, the two parts of the temple of the glasses, the headpiece and the hinge are metal. In another aspect, the outer end portions (footmuffs) of the entire frame and temple are of a suitable injection molded plastic such as acetate or cellulose acetate, while the temple and the templet are of metal.

Other features and advantages of the present invention will become more readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art after reviewing the following detailed description and accompanying drawings.

Drawings

The structure and operation of the present invention will be understood by reading the following detailed description and drawings, in which like reference numerals refer to like parts, and in which:

fig. 1A illustrates a top plan view of a pair of foldable eyeglasses with one temple arm folded along a first hinge to a first folded configuration, according to one embodiment.

Fig. 1B shows a front view of a first folded configuration of the proposed eyeglasses when both temples are properly folded at the respective first hinges, according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2A illustrates the eyewear of fig. 1A and 1B folded into a second folded configuration using a second set of hinges, according to one embodiment.

Fig. 2B illustrates a side view of the hinge of the eyewear of fig. 1A-2A in an extended configuration, in accordance with one embodiment.

FIG. 2C illustrates a side view of eyewear similar to FIG. 2B with the temple rotated from the first folded configuration of FIG. 1B to the second folded configuration of FIG. 2A according to one embodiment.

Fig. 3A shows a schematic left side view of eyewear in an extended configuration according to one embodiment.

FIG. 3B illustrates a top plan view of the eyewear of FIG. 3A in a deployed configuration, according to one embodiment.

Figure 3C illustrates a front view of the eyewear of figures 3A and 3B in a deployed state, according to one embodiment.

Fig. 3D shows a schematic right side view of the eyewear of fig. 3A-3C in an extended configuration.

Fig. 4 illustrates one embodiment of the mechanical structure of the post of a pair of eyeglasses, the post including a swivel hinge as part of the post, according to one embodiment.

Fig. 5 shows another embodiment of the mechanical structure of the peg of a pair of the proposed glasses according to an embodiment, the peg comprising a rotating hinge as part of the peg.

Fig. 6A illustrates a top plan view of one embodiment of a foldable eyeglass case in a closed configuration for use with any of the eyeglasses of fig. 1-5.

FIG. 6B illustrates a top plan view of the ultra-compact collapsible box of FIG. 6A in an open configuration.

Fig. 6C illustrates a side view of the ultra-compact collapsible box of fig. 6A and 6B in a closed configuration.

Fig. 6D is a side view of the collapsible box of fig. 6A-6C containing a pair of collapsible eyeglasses and collapsed from an open configuration toward a closed configuration.

Fig. 6E is a side view showing the collapsible box opened from the closed configuration to the open configuration by actuating the latch.

Fig. 7A is a top perspective view of the ultra-compact collapsible box of fig. 6A-6E in a closed state.

Fig. 7B is a side perspective view of the ultra-compact collapsible box of fig. 6A-7A in a closed configuration with collapsible eyewear therein.

Fig. 7C is a side perspective view similar to fig. 7B showing in dashed outline how opening of the case causes the eyeglasses to automatically assume the first folded configuration due to the tension of the springs in the second set of hinges.

Fig. 8 provides a method of folding folded eyeglasses into a collapsible case as in fig. 6A-7C for compact storage and easy portability according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a left side perspective view of another embodiment of a pair of foldable eyeglasses in a fully unfolded state, wherein a portion of the eyeglasses is made of a plastic material and the other portions are made of metal;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the eyewear of FIG. 9 in a first folded configuration, wherein a portion of the temple arms are folded about a first set of hinges positioned along the length of the temple arms;

FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of the eyewear of FIGS. 9 and 10 in the partially folded condition of FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a front elevational view of the eyeglass of FIGS. 9-11 in a fully collapsed, flattened state;

FIG. 13 is a side view of the eyewear in the fully folded condition of FIG. 12;

FIG. 14 is a side view of the eyewear of FIGS. 9-13 in a fully extended state ready to be worn by a user;

FIG. 15 is a cross-sectional view of a ridged portion of a left temple of the eyeglasses taken on line 15-15 of FIG. 14, the right temple having the same ridge;

FIG. 16 is a top plan view of the eyewear of FIGS. 9-15 in the fully extended state of FIGS. 9 and 14; and is

Fig. 17 is an enlarged view of the circled portion 17 of fig. 16 showing the left hand side hinge connection in dashed outline on the outside of the plastic eyeglass frame.

Detailed Description

Some embodiments disclosed herein provide foldable eyeglasses having multiple sets of hinges for folding the eyeglasses into a compact configuration to be fitted within a compact case for easy storage and carrying. In one aspect, the plurality of sets of hinges includes a first pair of hinges (or "horizontal" hinges) located within the temple and proximate the frame of the eyeglasses, which first fold the outer portion of the temple of the eyeglasses inwardly in a conventional folding manner. The plurality of sets of hinges further includes a second pair of "swivel" hinges (or "vertical" hinges) located proximate to or partially within the rim or frame of the eyeglasses, the second pair of "swivel" hinges folding the temple of the eyeglasses down toward the plane of the rim/frame and lens. When both pairs of hinges are engaged, the foldable eyeglasses fold into a compact configuration having a very thin profile to fit into an ultra-thin box.

In another aspect, the first pair of hinges may first be engaged to fold the temples of the eyeglasses into a conventional folded configuration, which is also referred to as a "first folded configuration" or a "partially folded configuration". Next, the partially folded eyeglasses are placed in the case with the second pair of hinges still disengaged and the frame and lenses facing downward. Next, the lid of the box is closed on the glasses, which pushes the temple of the glasses. The applied pressure causes the second pair of hinges to engage such that the temples of the eyeglasses rotate and fold about the second pair of hinges into a sufficiently folded configuration (also referred to as a "second folded configuration") to allow the case to be closed and latched and the eyeglasses securely stored within the case.

In another aspect, the post head or pivotal connection is disposed on or partially within an outer edge or side of the frame and pivotally connects the outer edge of the frame or frame of the eyeglasses with the temple of the eyeglasses. The peg head or pivot connection comprises a stationary part which is attached to the outer edge of the frame of the spectacles or which is embedded in a receiving recess or depression in the outer edge of the frame. The nosepiece also includes a rotating portion that is attached to the temple of the eyeglasses and is rotatably attached to the stationary portion. The pivotal connection further includes a tension spring between the fixed and rotatable portions to maintain the temples of the eyeglasses in the extended configuration when the eyeglasses are worn by a user. The stationary and rotating portions of the stub form a swivel hinge operable to fold the temple arm vertically downward from the unfolded configuration to the folded configuration such that the temple arm is substantially in the same plane as the rim of the eyewear.

In some embodiments, the stationary portion further comprises an attachment portion for connecting the stationary portion and an outer edge of the bezel, and a fastening portion attached to the attachment portion and comprising a threaded hole. The stationary portion further includes a cylindrical tube attached to the attachment portion such that the fastening portion is substantially within and coaxial with the first cylindrical tube. The rotating portion further includes another cylindrical tube attached to a temple of the eyeglasses at an outer surface of the second cylindrical tube. The tension spring is substantially inside the second cylindrical tube and is in contact with an inner surface of the second cylindrical tube. This configuration causes the tension spring to rotate with the second cylindrical tube. In some embodiments, the tension spring includes an extended end that is fixedly attached to the stationary portion of the swivel hinge. Further, the second cylindrical tube is substantially coaxial with the first cylindrical tube in the stationary portion.

In a second embodiment, each hinge connector is at least partially received in a recess in a corresponding outer portion of the frame. In this embodiment, the eyeglass frame may be of an engineering plastic or the like and the pivotal connection is of metal. The stationary tubular portion may be received in the recess and have pivot pins on which sleeves attached to respective temples are rotatably mounted.

After reading this description it will become apparent to one skilled in the art how to implement the invention in various alternative embodiments and alternative applications. However, while various embodiments of the present invention will be described herein, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Accordingly, this detailed description of various alternative embodiments should not be construed to limit the scope or breadth of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims.

FIG. 1A illustrates a top view of one embodiment of a pair of dual-hinge foldable eyewear in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, wherein the temples are folded along a first set of hinges to a first folded configuration. As shown in fig. 1, the eyeglasses 100 include a first set of hinge or pivot connections 102. the first set of hinge or pivot connections 102 includes a pair of

hinges

102A and 102B located a short distance from the frame or rim 106 of the eyeglasses. The hinge 102 is configured to fold the

temples

104A and 104B of the eyeglasses 100 horizontally into the frame 106 to form a first folded configuration of the eyeglasses 100, similar to a pair of folded conventional eyeglasses. Fig. 1A shows the eyewear 100 in a partially folded configuration, with the left hinge 102A of the first set of hinges 102 in an unfolded configuration on the left temple 104A, and the right hinge 102B in a folded configuration on the right temple 104B. Fig. 1B illustrates a front view of a first folded configuration 108 of the eyewear 100 when the

temples

104A and 104B are both properly folded at the

respective hinges

102A and 102B into the first folded configuration, according to one embodiment of the present invention. The glasses 100 may include various types of vision correction glasses, sunglasses, and the like.

As shown in fig. 1A, the eyewear 100 further includes a second set of hinge or pivot connections 110, the second set of hinge or pivot connections 110 including a pair of

hinges

110A and 110B located substantially adjacent to the frame 106 of the eyewear 100. In some embodiments, the second set of hinges 110 are part of the peg head of the eyewear 100. Various embodiments of the mechanical structure of the hinge 110 will be described later in connection with fig. 4 and 5. In the illustrated embodiment, the hinge 110 is configured to rotate in the direction of

arrows

120A and 120B to fold the

temples

104A and 104B vertically downward from the first folded configuration shown in fig. 1A and 1B to a position below the frame 106 to form a second folded configuration.

Fig. 2A shows the eyewear 100 folded into a second folded configuration 112 using a second set of hinges 110, according to one embodiment of the present invention. As can be seen in fig. 2A, the second set of hinges 110 are positioned proximate the frame 106 and in substantially the same plane as the frame 106 so that the temple 104 can be folded down to a position directly below the frame 106 and in substantially the same plane as the frame 106, thereby forming the ultra-thin profile of a pair of folding eyeglasses with a minimum thickness.

The second pivotal connection includes a pair of stubs 122, the stubs 122 being attached to the frame 106 for connecting the temple 104 to the frame 106. In some embodiments, the rotatable portion of the hinge 110 may have a cylindrical shape to facilitate "turning" or rotational movement. Accordingly, the stub head 122 may include a barrel portion to accommodate a barrel rotation portion as described in more detail below. More specifically, the rotating portion of each pivot connection may be inserted into the barrel portion of the corresponding stub head 122. When brought together, the second pivotal connection of the eyeglass 100 is in substantially the same plane as the frame 106. A more detailed embodiment of the second pivotal connection or hinge 110 will be described later in connection with fig. 4 and 5.

As can be seen in fig. 2A, between the first set of hinges 102 and the second set of hinges 110 is a pair of straight temple portions 124. When the eyeglasses 100 are unfolded at the first set of hinges 102, the straight temple portion 124 is part of the temple 104, as shown in fig. 1A. The straight temple portions 124 form a predetermined space that keeps the folding temple 104a distance away from the frame 106 when the eyeglasses are folded by the first set of hinges 102. Thus, as shown in fig. 2A, when the eyewear 100 is folded into the second folded configuration 112, the bottom of the frame 106 is positioned within the space formed by the straight temple portion 124 and the folded temple 104 without interfering with the temple 104. This configuration allows for a flat profile with a minimum thickness.

Fig. 2B illustrates a side view of the eyeglass 100 with the second set of hinges 110 in an extended configuration, according to one embodiment of the invention. In the present embodiment, at least one of the first set of hinges 102 is also shown in the deployed configuration. Fig. 2B also shows the direction of rotation of the second set of hinges 110 by arrow 130. Fig. 2C shows a side view of eyewear with temple 104 rotated from first folded configuration 108 to second folded configuration 112, according to one embodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, the eyewear 100 is in the first folded configuration 108 prior to the folding movement. Fig. 2C also illustrates movement of the temple 104 from the first folded configuration 108 to the second folded configuration 112 as the temple 104 pivots about the second set of hinges 110. As noted above, fig. 2A shows a front view of the eyeglass 100 in a second folded configuration 112, wherein the temple 104 has been folded down and generally below the frame 106. In some embodiments, the second set of hinges may be rotational hinges made from a barrel portion that provides for simple rotational movement of the temple arm without forming any separation or sharp edges between the separate components.

Fig. 3A to 3D show multi-view schematic diagrams of a more detailed design of the proposed glasses with two sets of hinges according to an embodiment of the invention. More specifically, fig. 3A shows a schematic left side view of an exemplary eyewear in an extended configuration in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, fig. 3A illustrates a set of design parameters for a temple of an exemplary eyewear. Fig. 3B illustrates a top plan view of an exemplary eyeglass in an extended configuration according to one embodiment of the invention. More specifically, fig. 3B illustrates various design parameters of the temple, two pairs of hinges, and bridge of exemplary eyeglasses. Notably, the second set of hinges 310 are positioned proximate the rim of the lens such that the hinges 310 are part of the post of the eyeglasses. Fig. 3C illustrates a front view of exemplary eyewear according to one embodiment of the present invention. More specifically, fig. 3C illustrates various design parameters of a frame of an exemplary pair of eyeglasses. Fig. 3D illustrates a right side view of an exemplary eyeglass in an extended configuration according to one embodiment of the invention. More specifically, FIG. 3D illustrates additional design parameters for the temples of the exemplary eyewear.

In some embodiments, such as the embodiment shown in fig. 3B and 3C, the second set of hinges 310 are shown as including a rotational hinge and a tension spring such that the hinges 310 tend to maintain the deployed configuration. To place the hinge 310 in the second folded configuration, a force is applied to the hinge via downward pressure on the temple of the eyeglasses (as discussed above in connection with fig. 2B and 2C). In this manner, the eyeglasses are configured to work with a collapsible box (as described below) such that, with the box closed, the cover of the box can collapse down onto the temples of the eyeglasses in the first folded configuration to force the second set of hinges to fold the temples into the second folded configuration. This results in a closed box having a minimum thickness, as described and illustrated below.

Another benefit of the spring-loaded second set of hinges is that the eyeglasses are more comfortable and easier to wear for the user, since the springs ensure that the temples remain in an extended configuration while being worn. Without these tensioning springs, the frame or temple may rotate as the user wears the eyeglasses, resulting in undesirable movement of the eyeglasses while wearing. In some embodiments, the spring in the hinge is configured to only allow the hinge to rotate approximately 90 degrees (e.g., a few degrees above or below 90 degrees) such that the temple is located directly below or at the bottom of the frame when in the second, folded configuration. This design creates an ideal folding position with the smallest possible thickness of the spectacles, while providing the benefits of: the temple is not allowed to rotate excessively beyond the plane of the frame to a position in front of the lens and the frame. The additional rotation may cause the eyeglasses to rotate to an unsafe or unstable position, which may cause the temple or hinge to break, or may cause the lens to break by contacting the lens with the temple.

Fig. 4 illustrates an exemplary mechanical configuration of a second hinge or pivotal connection of a pair of proposed eyeglasses 400 according to one embodiment of the present invention, the eyeglasses 400 including a swivel hinge as part of the peg head. As shown in fig. 4, the rim 402 of the eyeglasses 400 includes a screw mount 404, the screw mount 404 serving to securely lock the rim 402 around the lens (not shown). Fig. 4 also shows a stub or pivot connection 408 comprising a set of sub-components comprising a turning hinge as an embodiment of the proposed second set of hinges. More specifically, the stub head 408 includes a portion 410 for attaching the stub head 408 to the bezel 402. Portion 410 also includes an attachment portion 410A, attachment portion 410A having a flat notch (float notch) for connecting stub 408 with the front side of bezel 402. The portion 410 also includes a barrel portion 410B, the barrel portion 410B including a threaded bore for receiving a screw 412 (to be described later). Stub 408 includes a tension spring 414 as part of a swivel hinge. As can be seen in fig. 4, the tension spring 414 has a slightly larger diameter than the diameter of the cylindrical portion 410B so that it can be tightly fitted onto the cylindrical portion 410B. Pile head 408 also includes a cylindrical tube 416 of larger diameter than tension spring 414. A cylindrical tube 416 may be engaged with the portion 410, such as by the attachment portion 410A, to form a stationary portion of the rotating hinge.

The stub head 408 also includes a rotation tube 418 that also is part of the rotational hinge. As can be seen in fig. 4, the rotation tube 418 is also attached to the end of the temple 420 of the eyeglasses. Accordingly, the turn tube 418 provides a rotatable attachment mechanism between the temple 420 and the nosepiece 408 such that the turn hinge can be rotated by applying pressure to the temple 420. When the pile head 408 is assembled, the tension spring 414 is received by the rotation tube 418, and the rotation tube 418 itself may be partially slid into the cylindrical tube 416. The entire structure is held together by screws 412 that enter into barrel portion 410B. More specifically, the threaded portion of the screw 412 passes through the tension spring 414 and the rotation tube 418 before entering the bore of the barrel portion 410B. The right opening of the rotation tube 418 is configured to be slightly larger than the diameter of the threaded portion of the screw 412 but smaller than the head of the screw 412. Thus, after tightening, the head of the screw 412 is stopped by the entrance of the rotation tube 418.

The rotation tube 418 and the tension spring 414, which is primarily located inside the rotation tube 418, form the rotating portion of the rotating hinge. More specifically, upon assembly, the rotating portion of the swivel hinge, including the swivel tube 418 and the tension spring 414, is physically restrained by the stationary portion of the swivel hinge, including the barrel portion 410B, the screw 412 and the barrel tube 416, such that the rotating portion is allowed to rotate about the axis of the assembly but cannot be displaced in a horizontal direction. Tension in the swivel hinge may be created by securely attaching one end of the tension spring 414 (e.g., using the extended end of the spring 414 shown in fig. 4) to the stationary portion of the swivel hinge while allowing the remainder of the tension spring 414 to rotate with the swivel tube 418. In some embodiments, the tension spring is attached to the stationary portion of the rotating hinge by fitting within a groove cut into the surface of the cylindrical portion 410B of the stationary portion. To create a situation where the temple 420 of the eyeglasses remains in the extended configuration when worn, the tension spring 414 is configured to be in a relaxed state when the temple 420 is fully extended as shown in fig. 4. It should be noted that the exemplary design of eyewear 400 provides one embodiment of the second set of hinges, but many other variations of peg head 408 may form a swivel hinge to create the proposed second set of hinges.

Fig. 5 illustrates another exemplary mechanical structure of the peg of a pair of proposed eyeglasses 500 according to an embodiment of the present invention, the eyeglasses 500 including a rotating hinge as part of the peg. One major difference between the

eyeglasses

400 and 500 is that the eyeglasses 500 do not include a screw mount. Examples of such eyewear include rimless eyewear. In the eyewear 500, one significant difference is that the attachment portion 510A for attaching the post 508 to the rimless lens 502 has a different notch configuration than the attachment portion 410A in the eyewear 400.

In some embodiments, the double-hinged foldable spectacles of the above embodiments operate to fold into a compact second folded configuration having a low profile that fits within a super-compact foldable case. Fig. 6A shows a top plan view of such an ultra-compact collapsible box 600 in a closed configuration 602 according to one embodiment of the invention, while fig. 6B shows a top plan view of the ultra-compact collapsible box 600 in an open configuration 604 according to one embodiment of the invention. As can be seen in fig. 6B, the ultra-compact case includes a bottom 606 and a top 608, the bottom 606 holding the eyeglasses, and the top 608 connected to the bottom 606 via a hinge 610. Fig. 6B also shows how the proposed eyeglasses fit into the base 606 in the second folded configuration described above. Fig. 6C illustrates a side view of the ultra-compact collapsible box 600 in a closed configuration according to one embodiment of the present invention. It can be seen that the case 600 has a small size when the glasses are folded in the case 600.

Fig. 6D illustrates the design functionality of the ultra-compact collapsible box 600 in combination with the proposed collapsible eyewear. More specifically, fig. 6D provides a side view of the collapsible box 600 collapsed from the open configuration 604 to the closed configuration 602 and containing the pair of foldable eyeglasses. As can be seen in fig. 6D, with the top cover 608 closed onto the bottom 606, the temple of the eyeglasses is folded from the first folded configuration to the second folded configuration using the box. In other words, the top cover 608 operates to rotate the second pair of hinges and fold the temple down into the plane of the lens. The case 600 may then be secured in the closed configuration via the catch 612, and the catch 612 may be configured with a sloped top front edge to help the top cover 608 easily slide forward and downward over the catch 612 to form a secure closure.

In some embodiments, the dual-hinge eyeglasses may also be placed in the case 600 in a first folded configuration with the frame on top and the temples of the eyeglasses down on top of the base 606. With this placement, the bottom of the frame is positioned facing upwards due to the tensioning spring. To close the case, the top cover 608 of the case 600 is used to fold the frame of the eyeglasses from a first folded configuration to a second folded configuration as the top cover 608 is closed onto the bottom 606. In other words, the top cover 608 operates to rotate the second pair of hinges and fold the frame down into the plane of the temple.

Fig. 6E shows the reverse operation of the operation shown in fig. 6D. More specifically, fig. 6E provides a side view of the collapsible box 600 opened from the closed configuration 602 to the open configuration 604 by actuating the latch 612, according to one embodiment of the present invention. In some embodiments, the hinge 610 of the collapsible box 600 and the second pair of hinges of the eyeglasses comprise tension springs such that when the catch 612 is pressed, the tension springs operate to force the top cover 608 open and expand the temple arms of the eyeglasses from the second folded configuration to the first folded configuration. In other embodiments, only the second pair of hinges of the eyeglasses include tensioning springs, while the hinges 610 of the collapsible box do not have tensioning springs. In these embodiments, upon pressing the catch 612, the tension spring of the eyeglasses also operates to force the top cover 608 open and expand the temple arms of the eyeglasses from the second folded configuration to the first folded configuration.

Referring back to fig. 6B, embodiments of the case 600 may include a positioning element 616, the positioning element 616 facilitating a user to position the eyeglasses in a desired position on the interior of the case that allows the case to be easily closed on the temple of the eyeglasses. The positioning element 616 may be formed as a raised element in the middle of the case that assists the user in positioning the glasses in the case so that the glasses are placed on opposite sides of the positioning element 616. This configuration also forces the user to place the eyeglasses in the case with the lenses and frame facing downward, which allows the top cover 604 of the case to more easily fold the eyeglasses into the second folded configuration by contacting the temples of the eyeglasses rather than the frame of the eyeglasses, which provides better protection for the frame and lenses. This configuration also allows the angle of closure of the top cover of the box to force the temple arm in one direction more easily into its second folded configuration.

FIG. 7A is a top view and FIG. 7B is a side perspective view of an ultra-compact collapsible box with collapsible eyewear therein in a closed configuration according to one embodiment of the invention. Finally, fig. 7C is a side perspective view showing how opening of the case causes the eyeglasses to automatically assume the first folded configuration due to the tension of the springs in the second set of hinges, according to one embodiment of the present invention.

As already described above, the collapsible box 600 includes a latch 612 to hold the box in the closed position. In some embodiments, the catch 612 is designed with a curved top surface and a hook immediately below the curved top surface. This provides for a simple and smooth closing of the cover when the cover is forced down onto the temple.

In some embodiments, the hinges 610 on the collapsible case are tensioned hinges, such as piano hinges (piano hinge) or the like, that are configured to cooperate with spring tension in the rotating hinges of the second set of hinges on the eyeglasses to allow the case to open and close as the second set of hinges expand and contract.

Figure 8 provides a method of folding collapsible eyewear into a collapsible case for compact storage and easy portability according to one embodiment of the present invention. During operation, the temples of the eyeglasses are folded horizontally along the first set of hinges to a first folded configuration (step 802). Next, the partially folded eyewear is placed in a face-down orientation within the collapsible box such that the lenses and frames are on the bottom of the box (step 804). Next, the top lid of the box is folded downwardly toward its closed configuration (step 806). The temples of the eyeglasses are folded along the second set of hinges and into a second folded configuration while the cover of the case is closed (step 808). Finally, the case is closed, for example, when the latches of the case are engaged, and the eyeglasses are fully secured within the closed case (step 810).

Fig. 9-17 illustrate another embodiment of a pair of foldable eyeglasses 700, the foldable eyeglasses 700 being similar to the eyeglasses of fig. 1-5 and folded about two sets of hinges into a flat condition to fit into a compact case similar to or the same as the case 600 of fig. 6A-7C, and like reference numerals have been used for like parts, as appropriate. Foldable or fold flat eyeglasses 700 have a frame 712 with eye wires or rims 713, a nose piece 715, and a pair of

temple arms

716A and 716B. A eyewire or rim 713 surrounds an opening that receives the lens 714, a nose bridge 715 extends across the nose of the wearer, and a pair of

temples

716A and 716B each have a first portion 124 and a second portion 720 pivotally connected to the first portion 124 via the same first hinge or

pivot connection

102A, 102B as the first hinge of the previous embodiment. The temples are connected to opposite sides of the frame 712 via a second set of hinges or second

pivotal connections

710A, 710B, respectively. The second set of

hinges

710A, 710B have aligned pivot axes 719, the aligned pivot axes 719 each extending perpendicular to a respective first temple portion 124, the first temple portions 124 each extending from a

hinge

710A, 710B to a

respective hinge

102A, 102B. Second portions 720 of the temples extend outwardly from the respective second hinges to temple tips 722 for engagement over the wearer's ears. The hinges 102A, 102B are each located between the first portion 124 and the second portion 720 of the corresponding temple and each have a pivot axis 725 that is perpendicular to the temple and perpendicular to the pivot axis 719.

Unlike the previous embodiments in which the eyeglass temples, hinges and frame are all made of the same material (such as metal, etc.), in this embodiment the entire frame 712 is formed of injection molded plastic such as acetate or cellulose acetate. As in the previous embodiments, the temple arm and hinge are formed of metal, but the temple arm tip or sheath 722, which is engaged on the outer end of the second portion 720 of the temple arm, is formed of the same injection molded plastic material as the frame 712. This results in a strong but lightweight structure. As described in greater detail below with reference to fig. 17, the enlarged end portion 726 of the outer edge of the frame is configured to receive a portion of the second set of

hinges

710A, 710B. Thus, the second pivotal connection of this embodiment is more compact and less attractive than the previous embodiment in which the entire second hinge structure is external to the frame.

Fig. 9, 13 and 16 show the glasses in a fully open state ready to be worn by a user. The second portions 720 of the respective temples are rotatable about the

hinges

102A, 102B between a fully extended position of fig. 9, 13 and 16, in which the second portions 720 are aligned with the corresponding first portions 124 of the temples, and an inwardly rotated position of fig. 10 and 11, in which the second portions 720 extend inwardly from the hinges and overlap one another at a location spaced inwardly or rearwardly from the frame 712. The first portion 124 may then be rotated about the

hinges

710A, 710B downward approximately 90 degrees in exactly the same manner as described above with respect to the previous embodiments until the temples are located below and substantially coplanar with the eyeglass frames, as shown in fig. 12 and 13. In this substantially flat state, the eyeglasses 700 may be placed in a thin, compact storage case, such as the storage case 600 described above with respect to the previous embodiments, or the like. Alternatively, the eyeglasses 700 in the partially folded state of fig. 10 and 11 may be placed in the open base of the storage case facing downwardly, and the lid may be closed as indicated in fig. 6D and, while closed, rotate the first portion 124 about the

hinges

710A, 710B to a fully folded state within the case 600.

As best shown in fig. 14 and 15, the second portion 720 of each temple has three sets of linear ribs or ridges 728 on its outer surface, with the first set located a short distance from the hinge connection between the first and second portions of the temple. This provides a decorative effect and also increases the strength of the temple in the folded position.

As best shown in fig. 17, the

hinges

710A, 710B are similar in construction to the swivel hinges of the previous embodiments. Each second hinge or second pivot connection comprises a stationary part or pivot housing 750, the stationary part or pivot housing 750 being partially or completely received in a hole or recess in an enlarged side portion 726 of a respective outer edge of the frame 712 of the spectacles and being fixed in this recess via a screw 751. Each hinge further includes a pivot sleeve or tube 752, the pivot sleeve or tube 752 being attached to a

respective temple

716A, 716B of the eyeglasses and being rotatably mounted partially within the pivot receiver and rotatably mounted on a pivot pin 753, one end of the pivot pin 753 being fixed in the pivot receiver 750 and the outer end of the pivot pin 753 being rotatably fixed to the outer end of the tube 752. A tensioning spring 754 acts between the pivot pin 753 and the rotatable sleeve 752 in the same manner as the spring 418 of the previous embodiment, and is arranged to bias the temples of the eyeglasses into an extended configuration when the eyeglasses are to be worn by a user.

The stationary part or housing 750 and the rotating part or tube 752 form a swivel hinge operable to fold the temple bar vertically downward from the unfolded configuration of fig. 11 to a folded configuration as shown in fig. 12 and 13, such that the folded temple bar is substantially in the same plane as the rim of the eyeglasses and is partially located below the eyeglass frame 712. The hinges 710A, 710B are similar to the rotary hinges of the embodiment previously described in connection with fig. 4 and 5, but the hinge arrangement of the present embodiment is more compact because the stationary barrel or portion 750 of each hinge is received within a corresponding enlarged side portion 726 of the eyeglass frame 713. Only the outer portion of the rotating tube or sleeve 752 extends beyond the side edge of the frame.

The previous description of the disclosed embodiments is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make or use the present invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the generic principles described herein may be applied to other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. It is understood, therefore, that the description and drawings presented herein represent a presently preferred embodiment of the invention and are therefore representative of the subject matter which is broadly contemplated by the present invention. It is also to be understood that the scope of the present invention fully encompasses other embodiments that may become obvious to those skilled in the art and that the scope of the present invention is accordingly limited by nothing other than the appended claims.

Priority claims and related patent applications

This patent application is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application No.15/400, 867, filed 2017 on month 6, which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. patent application No.14/984,545 filed 2015 on month 30, 12, 2015, published 2017 on month 10, U.S. patent No.9,541,771, which claims priority to U.S. provisional patent application No.62/119,268 filed 2015 on month 2, 23, and the entire disclosures of each of the foregoing applications are incorporated herein by reference as part of this application.

Claims

1. A pair of foldable eyeglasses comprising:

a frame surrounding a pair of lenses, the frame having an upper edge, a lower edge, and opposing left and right outer edges;

first and second elongate temples each having a first portion and a second portion, the second portion including an end portion for extending onto a wearer's ear;

a first pivot connection between the first and second portions of each temple, each first pivot connection defining a first pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the corresponding temple, wherein each second portion is foldable inwardly about the first pivot axis between an unfolded state substantially aligned with the corresponding first portion and a first folded state substantially perpendicular to the first portion in which each second portion of the first elongate temple overlaps another second portion of the second elongate temple and the two overlapping second portions are spaced apart from the frame rearward of the frame; and

a second pivot connection between each first portion of the first and second elongated temples and a corresponding outer edge of the frame, each second pivot connection defining a second pivot axis substantially perpendicular to the corresponding first pivot axis and the corresponding temple in the extended condition, wherein each first portion is foldable about the corresponding second pivot axis between an extended condition extending substantially rearward from the frame and a second folded condition extending substantially downward from a corresponding pivot mount portion, each pivot mount portion being adjacent to a corresponding outer edge of the frame;

wherein when the first portion is folded to the second folded state and the second portion is overlapped and folded to the first folded state, at least a major portion of the overlapped second portion is located below and substantially aligned with the frame to form a compact and fully folded state of the foldable spectacles,

wherein each second pivot connection comprises:

a stationary protrusion extending perpendicular to the temple;

a tensioning spring surrounding the stationary protrusion and configured to maintain the first portion of the temple arm in an extended configuration when the second portion of the temple arm is folded into a first folded configuration;

a cylindrical member surrounding the tension spring and a part of the stationary protrusion;

a rotating tube attached to the first portion of each elongated temple, the rotating tube contacting the cylindrical member and surrounding one end of the stationary protrusion; and

a fastener inserted into the rotating tube and engaged with the stationary protrusion.

2. Foldable spectacles according to claim 1, wherein the temple and the first and second pivotal connections are formed of a metal material and the frame is made of a plastic material.

3. Foldable spectacles according to claim 2, wherein the end portion of each temple comprises at least an outer portion made of plastic material.

4. The foldable eyeglasses of claim 1, wherein the eyeglass frame has a front and a rear, the first pivot axis is spaced from the rear of the eyeglass frame and is substantially transverse to the upper and lower edges of the frame, and the second pivot axis is substantially in the plane of the eyeglass frame and is transverse to the outer edge of the eyeglass frame.

5. Foldable spectacles according to claim 4, wherein each second pivot connection has a stationary part connected to the corresponding outer side edge of the frame and a rotary hinge part mounted in a rotatable manner relative to the stationary part, and wherein one end of the first part of the temple is attached to the rotary hinge part and is substantially perpendicular to the second pivot axis both in the unfolded state and in the second folded state.

6. The foldable eyeglasses of claim 5, wherein after the temple arms are folded about the first pivot connection to the first folded state, the second portion of the temple arms are substantially parallel to the plane of the frame while the first portion of the temple arms remain unfolded.

7. The foldable eyeglasses of claim 5, wherein each outer edge of the frame includes a pivot mounting portion, the stationary portion of each second pivot connection is mounted in the pivot mounting portion of the corresponding outer edge of the frame, and each rotating hinge member projects outwardly from the corresponding pivot mounting portion.

8. The collapsible eyewear of claim 5, wherein the tensioning spring is configured to deploy the second portion of the temple from the second folded configuration to the deployed configuration when tension is removed from the tensioning spring.

9. Foldable spectacles according to claim 1, wherein the length of the first part of the temple is substantially equal to or greater than the distance between the pivot axis of the second pivot connection and the lower edge of the frame.

10. The foldable eyeglasses of claim 1, wherein folding the temple arm vertically downward from the first folded configuration toward the frame to the second folded configuration via the second pivot connection comprises: rotating the first portion of the temple about the second pivot axis by about 90 degrees.

11. The foldable eyeglasses of claim 1, wherein the first portion of the temple arm is substantially parallel to the plane of the frame and remains perpendicular to the first pivot axis after folding the temple arm into the second folded configuration.

12. The foldable eyeglasses of claim 1, wherein the foldable eyeglasses are configured to be placed within a foldable box operative to fold the foldable eyeglasses from the first folded configuration to the second folded configuration by closing a cover of the foldable box onto partially folded temples of the foldable eyeglasses.

13. Foldable spectacles according to claim 2, wherein each outer edge of the frame of the spectacles has an enlarged pivot receiving portion and the second pivot connection is at least partially received in the enlarged pivot receiving portion of the frame,

the second pivot connection having a stationary portion affixed in the enlarged pivot receiving portion, a rotatable portion affixed to the temple of the eyewear and rotatably engaged with the stationary portion, and a tensioning spring between the stationary portion and the rotatable portion that tends to maintain the temple of the eyewear in an extended configuration when the eyewear is worn by a user,

wherein the stationary part and the rotatable part form a turning hinge for folding the temple arm vertically downwards from the unfolded configuration to a folded configuration such that the temple arm is substantially in the same plane as the frame of the glasses.

14. The collapsible eyewear of claim 13, wherein the stationary portion includes a barrel portion mounted within the enlarged pivot receiving portion of the frame and a pivot pin extending from an inner end of the barrel portion, and the rotatable portion includes a pivot tube engaged within the barrel portion and engaged on the pivot pin, the rotatable portion partially extending out of the enlarged pivot receiving portion of the frame, and the tension spring is engaged between the pivot pin and the pivot tube.

15. A collapsible eyewear and storage case assembly comprising:

a pair of foldable eyeglasses comprising a pair of lenses, a frame surrounding the pair of lenses and substantially defining a plane of the eyeglasses, and a pair of temples extending from respective outer edges of the frame, wherein the pair of eyeglasses is in an extended configuration when worn by a user; and

a collapsible storage case for holding the pair of foldable eyeglasses in a fully folded state, the case comprising a bottom portion for holding the pair of eyeglasses folded and a top cover configured to move between an open state for removing or inserting the pair of eyeglasses and a closed state for holding the pair of eyeglasses in the fully folded state;

each temple of the pair of eyeglasses having a first portion and a second portion and a first pivot connection defining a first pivot axis between the first portion and the second portion;

a second pivot connection between the first portion of each of the pair of temples and the corresponding outer edge of the frame, each second pivot connection defining a second pivot axis perpendicular to the first pivot axis;

wherein the first pivot axis is parallel to and spaced from the plane of the eyeglasses for folding respective second portions of the pair of temples inwardly toward the frame from the unfolded configuration, in which the respective second portions are substantially perpendicular to the plane of the eyeglasses and aligned with corresponding first portions of the pair of temples, to a first folded configuration, in which the respective second portions are substantially parallel to the plane of the frame and the first portions of the temples remain unfolded and transverse to the folded second portions;

each second pivot axis extending outwardly from a corresponding outer edge of the frame for folding the first portions of the pair of temples downwardly from the first folded configuration toward the frame to a second fully folded configuration in which the first and second portions of each temple are substantially coplanar with the plane of the frame; and is

Each second pivotal connection includes:

a stationary protrusion extending perpendicular to the temple;

a tensioning spring surrounding the stationary protrusion and configured to bias respective first portions of the temples from the second fully folded condition to the first folded configuration in which the first portions of the temples are unfolded;

a fastening member inserted into the rotating tube and engaged with the stationary protrusion,

wherein the tension spring is configured at the second pivotal connection to bias the temple arms outwardly from the fully folded condition toward the first folded condition and against the top cover of the case when the pair of eyeglasses are in the fully folded condition and inside the case in the closed condition.

16. An assembly according to claim 15, wherein said frame is a rigid plastic material and said first pivotal connection, said second pivotal connection and said temple are metal.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the second portion of each temple has an outer ear-engaging tip comprising at least an outer portion of a plastic material.

18. The assembly of claim 15, further comprising: a third pivot connection between the bottom of the collapsible storage case and the top lid, the third pivot connection defining a third pivot axis about which the top lid rotates between the open state and the closed state; and a latch for releasably securing the case in the closed state with the pair of eyeglasses in the second fully folded state and the folded temples facing outwardly toward the top cover, whereby the temples bias the top cover of the case outwardly toward an open position when the latch is released.